General Care Discussion :: Pleco and plants...?

[imderanged]

I am continually having to clean algae off everything in my tank. I was thinking of getting a pleco or something similar for my tank. I have some Rosies in there now and Sylar can,t catch them. I don't really care about wasting $5 dollars if Sylar decides to eat him anyway. But I read in one thread that was talking about this subject (and I can't find it now) that you shouldn't get one if your turtle is small because the fish might suck on your turtles head?!? My turtle's shell is 2inches. Is this too small? could I just get a small pleco?

And, what does everyone think of plastic/silk plants? I have heard conflicting info on this, someone told me not to use them cause the turtles would eat the plastic thinking it was food and get sick, and someone else told me it was fine, and they have never had any problems using fake plants. I feel like my tank is kinda boring ( the bottom is completly bare) and I want to make it a more natural enviornment for Sylar with more things to interact with like larger rocks and plants.

[jpit008]

I have 2 baby res under 2 inches each and I bought a pleco a little bigger than the turtles. I wouldn't worry about the pleco sucking their heads. My turtles are fully aware of where the pleco is at all times and I am actually more worried for the pleco cause they have tried to bite him already. They sell plecos in all sizes and my tank has never been cleaner. So take my comments for what they are worth. Also if you go to certain pet stores like petco they have real plants for your tank that may be safer for your turt. I have a real plant in my tank and they do bite at it. Hope that helps you.

[powerofvoodoo]

I have never heard of a turtle actively eating fake plants. They may try to take a bite or two, but they'll give up once they realize that it's not food. The problem with real plants is that you'll be spending a lot of money to constantly replace them unless you have a tank to grow the plants in. Whenever I put a plant in, it only lasts a day or two.

[TheComputerGremlin]

First, only use plants intended for aquarium use, so no plant arrangements from a craft store. As for plastic plants, as long as you avoid the whispy looking ones, most of the real plastic plants your turtle *should* leave alone. Buy one or two and put them in and monitor him to see if he tries anything. If he does, you can remove them.

[res08]

would anubias work in a turtle tank?